It is said that virtue is its own reward. Another reward for doing good deeds in the world, it would seem, is to have a fun street fair on a rainy fall day in Germany. Such is the case for the ITTF Foundation, which for years has found ways to improve the world through the power of sport. Focusing on developing nations, the organization promotes peace, inclusiveness and accessibility through programs such as TT Dream Building, TT4All, and Ping Pong Diplomacy. Another of its philanthropic programs, TT 4 Health, has been instrumental in launching the first ever ITTF Parkinson’s World Table Tennis Championships this October 11-13 at the Westchester Table Tennis Center in Pleasantville, New York. After working out of the ITTF headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland for years, the ITTF Foundation finally got its own brick-and-mortar work space this September 28 in Liepzig, Germany. "The ITTF has a long history of corporate social responsibility projects across the world," said ITTF Foundation Director Leandro Olvech. "Now that the ITTF Foundation is completely set up, we have a good location and an amazing team that is dedicated to building dreams and inspiring others to use table tennis as a tool for sustainable development and shared prosperity." To celebrate the occasion, a half-dozen ITTF executives including President Thomas Weikert were on hand, mingling with the crowds that had gathered for the various interactive booths set up in the street. Other like-minded agencies in attendance included Peace and Sport, International Relations & Sports Diplomacy and the Association For International Sport for All (TAFISA). The star power was provided by professional table tennis players Sarah Hanffou of Cameroon, Norway’s Aida Dahlen and Matilda Ekholm of Sweden, all dubbed Ambassadors for the Federation. "To be an Ambassador means a lot to me because of what the ITTF Foundation is doing; making a difference and changing lives," said Sarah Hanffou. "You have a huge impact and I’m thankful for the opportunity to work together in advancing social change." With its own dedicated work space, the ITTF Foundation can now effect even more positive change in the world through the unifying power of table tennis. Now if they could just do something about the weather...

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